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Age of Empresarios

1820-1831

First Anglo American to secure permission from Spain to bring American settlers into Texas.

First offer to bring 300 families to Texas was turned down.

Runs into his old friend the Baron de Bastrop Real name was Philip Hendrik Nering Bogel Dutch Offered to help Austin

Moses was granted permission to settle 300 families after convincing Governor Antonio Martinez that it was not a United States plot to seize Texas for themselves.

June 10, 1821 – Moses Austin dies of pneumonia. His son, Stephen F. Austin takes over his father’s work.

Moses Austin

Austin decided on the region between the Colorado and the Brazos Rivers.

Fertile soil Abundant water Natural resources Mild climate No other settlements

Why would Austin extend his colony to the coastline?

Austin’s Colony

Primarily southern newspapers at first Each man would receive 640 acres, plus:

320 for his wife 160 acres per child 80 acres per slave Skilled workers could receive additional

land Austin had the land surveyed

Why? Settlers paid Austin 12.5 cents per acre.

Advertising

“No drunkard, no gambler, no profane swearer, no idler” would be allowed in the colony.

Had to become Spanish (later Mexican) citizens.

Had to become Catholic. Be of good moral character. Why?

Requirements

Established by Andrew Robinson First settler to move to Texas Set up a ferry across the Brazos Would later open a hotel and saloon

Washington-on-the-Brazos

March 1822, Austin traveled to San Antonio to report on the progress of the colony.

Discovered that Mexico had won its independence

The new Mexican Government did not recognize the contract Austin had signed with Spain.

Governor Martinez suggested that Austin travel to Mexico City to seek the new government’s approval for his colony.

Mexican Independence

Mexican government reluctant to approve Austin’s contract.

1823, M.G. passed a colonization law allowing for Austin to keep his colony.

Allowed other Americans to receive land grants Each settler would receive more land than the

original contract with Spain Farmers and ranchers could receive up to 4,605

acres Austin received 100,000 acres for himself

However, shortly after a new government took power and suspended the colonization law

Only Austin was allowed to go ahead with his colony

Austin in Mexico

Settlers left colony due to drought Land disputes Karankawas and Tonkawas raided the

coastal settlements

Early Troubles

Term given to the original 300 families that settled Austin’s colony.

First colonists could select the best land.

Old 300

July 1824, San Felipe de Austin

First Capital – July 1824